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Thursday, 14 January 2016

[Spoiler Alert] Yesterday, after listening to David Bowie's 'Blackstar' again, I put on the next episode of JJ Abrams' series 'Fringe' (S4:E22, co-staring Leornard Nimoy). I had to freeze-frame this a few minutes in. What's that on the wall? OK, pretty weird. Then a friend pointed out that the main bad guy's name in the series was David Robert Jones (who happens to die in this episode.) This is, of course, David Bowie's real name. Coincidence?

So I did some searching, and in the second season they fight a visitor from the alternate universe named Thomas Jerome Newton. "Thomas Jerome Newton" is the name of the character David Bowie plays in the "The Man Who Fell to Earth". Noteworthy is the name of TJN's business partner in TMWFTE - Farnsworth. Agent Astrid Farnsworth, was one of the main Fringe characters.' Also, the song 'The Man Who Sold The World' appears in Season 5 Episode 7 of Fringe. So there is definitely a connection between Bowie and 'Fringe'.

The above episode was made on 11 May 2012 - it would be possible that Bowie knew he had cancer then - 10% of people with liver cancer (if this is what it was) survive 5 years or more. Journalist Michael Azerrad notes that a "black star" is a medical term for a type of cancer lesion. Did JJA know Bowie, and would Bowie have confided in him? Or did Bowie watch this episode and see the Black Star on the wall and it fixed in his mind? Or none of the above. Who knows. But it is, at least, intriguing.

It's worth pointing out that JJA is well know for leaving 'Easter Eggs' to what's coming next - For example, the agent's SUV's licence plates are 1C3PO1 and 1R2D21 (he, of course, goes on to direct Star Wars Episode 7.) So I shall probably be watching Fringe from the beginning.

Sunday, 27 April 2014

Each summer, our cafe daytimes and our events get about 20% quieter as people go on holiday, and students head home.

To give us a little 'nest egg' to ensure we're still thriving come Autumn, we invite our supporters to donate a fixed amount each month from May - August, to cover our running costs (which don't drop over the summer, of course!).

Our target from donations and fundraisers from May - August is £5000

Your generous support keeps us open, so please consider helping out with any amount.....

178 Above Bar St SO14 7DW Southampton

Andrew's combination of sci-fi twists on real life, long hair and impeccable manners have led him being revered on the London comedy circuit. Activist, misanthrope and transvestite waxes comical about the decline of British industry. His is a flamboyant show of odd, but smartly-written material, relentless in its assault. Imagine Harry Hill as a cross-dressing metalhead, and you’re somewhere close.

"One of the funniest comedians on the circuit at the moment...hitting new heights of comedic brilliance." - Timeout.

I say. Put the kettle on, the Professor is coming to tea! He'll brew you a nice hip hop number, stir in some comedy, then serve it with scones.

As a steampunk mad professor, his hobbies include adventure, invention, and a good cuppa*. He is also a unique and award winning hip-hop artist. Aside from the odd experiment (sometimes very odd), he first got myself noticed with the track ‘Cup of Brown Joy’. That video, and others, notched up over a million views on YouTube. You can have a look at them over on his videos page if you like.

9.30 'till 11.30 - Some lovely electro swing in the cafe with Still/Moving DJs to close

The evening will be embelleshed by the immovable Sweetchunks band. Formed in 1892 originally as a chorus of ballet dancing penguins, The Sweetchunks Band Experimented with early forms of funk (The traditional music of the isle of Man) and a form of puff pastry.

The SCB invented blues music at least 60 years after it's inception, instead calling it Thrash-Skiffle (the traditional music associated with Tiddleywinks).

All members of the Sweetchunks Band can fire three rounds a minute in any weather.

To top it all, we are delighted to welcome DJ 'Still Moving' Martin to spin some lovely eletro-swing tunes and other musical delights on the gramophone.

And if that were not enough, earlier in the day, the professor will teach you the secrets of the emcee in a very special workshop (seperate booking for this, with very limited numbers.) With customary exuberance and his best trousers on, the Professor will teach you how to rap in an hour. Just an Hour. That's it. That really is pretty much all you need. Incredible. EXPLORE the roots of Hip Hop! DELIGHT in the whimsy of Steampunk! BARE WITNESS to the birth of the Chap Hop emcee within you!'

Well, thanks for dropping by. You look marvellous, by the way, and we love what you’ve done with your hair.

*Please note, in honour of the professor's visit, we will not be serving herbal tea.

OLIVER WILDE - live! (An Art House Fundraiser)

Tuesday, 29 October 2013 from 19:30 to 22:30 (GMT)

Southampton, United Kingdom

A Brief Introduction to Unnatural Lightyears

"Ever wondered what My Bloody Valentine would sound like if they were a solo folkie? Wonder no more."

Initially arming himself with just one microphone, a guitar and a combination of internal conflicts, Oliver Wilde’s sound is stacked up with whispering guitar riffs, fragile vocal layers, slurring lap-steels, 8-bit tape loops, sanguine strings and DIY drum samples, leading to a lo-fi commotion of emotional outbursts and swirling sonic turbulence, washed down with moments of hushed delicacy that evoke the ghosts of his never-met mentors.

"...one of the best we've heard so far this year... it's folk as performed by Kevin Shields with an arsenal of lo-fi gadgetry" - The Guardian

"Basically, it's the perfect album" - Loud and Quite Magazine

"...it feels like an amble through a magical mist... flittering guitars appear through the smog like gilded butterflies..." - The Fly

"On 'Perrett's Brook' he sounds intoxicated and the unexpected chord changes have the same effect on the listener. When the bass and drums come in halfway, all heaven breaks loose. It's like hearing a classic Creation Records single from the '90s at 18rpm, shoegaze reduced to exquisite sloth. Flutter is eponymous, the sound of butterflies in the stomach. Something Old is typical of what's on offer here: it's humid, sticky, like something left out in the sun, hot to the touch and warped out of shape." ~ Paul Lester, The Guardian

Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness - Stories and Supper for the turning of the year

Thursday, October 3, 2013 from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM (BST)

Southampton, United Kingdom

This month, gather with us to tell tales of Mists and Mellow Fruitfulness, celebrating the turning of the year into Autumn. Join us for a cosy candlelit evening of food and tales!

If you have never tried your hand at storytelling, or just want to listen, or are a seasoned storyteller, you are very welcome.

We will have a special menu priced at £9.50 available during the evening, a delicious bowl of delicious seasonal veggie sausage, vegetable and ale stew served with rice & salad with a mulled cider, or soft drink included.

If you do not wish to eat, the event is by suggested donation - £3 or whatever you can afford.

The Happy Places / Noomi Basra DOUBLE BILL at The Art House

Saturday, 5 October 2013 from 19:30 to 22:30 (BST)

Southampton, United Kingdom

A fun night of live music with a double bill from 'The Happy Places' and 'Noomi Basra', two of our favourite local bands. It's free entry and the bar will be open, there will be burritos and other tasty things on sale till 9pm - all the ingredients for a perfect night out.

Bringing you a lively mix of the old and new, The Happy Places describe themselves as Folk/Soul/Rock/Jazz grooves from a man and his guitar (and friends)

The Happy Places began with lead singer and guitarist Stuey Goodeve playing solo, before Oli Tong joined him playing cajon, guitar and backing vocals. From there it grew and grew, with Emily joining on co-vocals and Duncan on fiddle.

Sunday Musical Roast with The Alaskan Pipeline, 6th October

Sunday, October 6, 2013 from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM

Join us at The Art House for a moo-free, cluck-free, oink-free roast lunch, all home made from organic ingredients with lots of fresh, local, seasonal veggies, upstairs in our gallery space.

Roast lunch without the washing up and with musical accompaniment too!

We will have two 'sittings' to select from - 12.30 to 2pm and 2pm to 3.30pm. These aren't hard-and-fast, but just give us an idea of how much to prepare!

We'll ask Alaskan Pipeline to play two sets, 1pm to 1.40pm and 2.30pm to 3.10pm, so you can enjoy some music which ever time you choose! In between, they might join you for lunch!

Enjoy a generous plateful of yumminess, suitable for vegans and with gluten-free options, too. Booking is highly advised!

The meal is just £8.95 (£4.95 childrens portion) for one course, y£11.95 for two (either our soup of the day & main course, or main course & hot cake with dairy-free ice cream, or £15 for three courses.)

Our usual lunch menu will also be available, with the exception of the hotpot and other daily special.

The menu: Real Ale and veggie sausage pie, organic roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables (subject to availability.) First course and sweet to be confirmed.

The music: The Alaskan Pipeline play Americana Folk Rock - notmally a 5 piece, we will be joined by two of them that played a wonderful set for us a few months ago and we just had to get them back.

Here's the reviews:

"Prettily constructed forays into subtle melancholia" - NME.

“They allow their songs to simmer before expertly bringing to the boil” - MintSouth.com

"The atmosphere is ethereal, the vocals are soaring and the songs are smoldering" - Drowned in Sound.

"An original and contagious sound that just locks onto you and draws you in" - Logo Magazine.

"Coming across like Damien Rice fronting My Morning Jacket, their songs are so beautifully crafted that total attention is gained from everyone here" - South Scene

"The Alaskan Pipeline have what it takes to go far. They have the potential to be the next Southampton band to break the charts" - BBCi

* All gluten free options are prepared in an environment where wheat etc is present, so may contain traces of gluten. Nuts are present in our kitchen, too, so all food may have traces of nuts and other allergens.

Saturday, 14 September 2013

It's been a moving and emotional week for us here at The Art House: the sudden passing of one of our very own volunteers, Nikki Mclean, a few weeks back, and the funeral this week, has brought us together as a community to remember a lovely person. It has brought us together to mourn, as all communities must sometimes, the loss of one of our own.In among Nikki's things, her partner found a glitter-covered note she'd been making for some of her friends and for The Art House, thanking us for accepting her for her. It summed up what we are here for - a place where people can be their own, true, authentic selves. A rare thing.

The past weeks have, most of all, made us really appreciate what we have here and most of all the people involved, and remember how fragile it all is, too.

I wanted to share with you, our friends, some of our thoughts going into the Autumn.

Yes, I know all this talk of death, change and challenge isn't what you're supposed to write in a newsletter to your 'customers' - but I think by now you know you're more than a customer, and we don't do things the usual way here.

The Art House has been running for nearly six years now, and the support we've had as been inspiring and moving. Right through a recession, we've established and grown, moved premises and hosted thousands of events, workshops and groups attended by so many of you.

Our world needs community so badly right now. What we are, under all the fun stuff and cake, is exactly that - a community.

Support the things you love in your town, village, city or area. This is my challenge to you all.

Love is a verb - get out there and love your local places!

Buy local, get out of the house, commit yourself, give of your time, enjoy the feast that's on your doorstep.

Make yourself a promise right now to engage with what's going on in your area - book a ticket, plan a visit, tell a friend about something awesome. Stop putting off that visit to somewhere you love - enjoy it while it's there for you to enjoy.

No excuses.

Community is YOU. You can and do make a difference. Go make it.

YOU are our community, and through the quiet summer months so many of you donated to help us when money was short and kept coming in even on the sunny days. That money meant we were able to keep paying all those bills when our footfall was lower. Yay!

In late 2007, we took over a failing art gallery to see if we could keep it going a little longer. It worked. We moved to a bigger place, taking a chance on a longer term lease, to see if we could establish as somewhere that would last a few more years. It worked.

Over this Autumn, Winter and Spring we have a challenge to get this lovely place to the next level: a sustainable, long-term project which can be here to make Southampton a better place to be for many, many years to come. It feels like the chips are down, for us, at this moment. We need to make this whole thing click together and become something truly lasting. There are big plans, little plans and many, many fond hopes tied up in The Art House right now.

We are asking all of you to be a part of this challenge.

Here are just some of the ways you can join with us to take this into the future:

Come in regularly! We're here for you - so that you have a place to be accepted for who you are, can meet likeminded people, can be fed, inspired and entertained. The more often you visit us, the more what we do will enhance and transform your life. That isn't a grandiose statement - this little place has changed lives, people blossom here, that's what we set up for in the first place.

Volunteer! We are looking for cafe, kitchen, publicity and admin crew right now. If you want to:-

*Help in the cafe, meeting lots of lovely people (our crew and customers are the best), gaining customer service & food serving experience, supporting us in a very real way.* Work in the kitchen - under the supportive eye of Abi or Ziggy you will learn more about healthy, tasty food preparation than you can shake a stick at, having lots of fun in the process!*Support us by distributing leaflets. We are looking for reliable people all over Hampshire who are happy to take our 'What's on' guides and leaflets to local places and spread the word.* Work with our admin staff on the many day-to-day office tasks that need doing.* Lend your expertise in publicity, systems, accounts, building maintenance....... get in touch if you have a skill to share, long or short term!* We even have roles you can do from home, if you are unable to get in.

Donate! Either a regular or a one-off sum, every amount makes a huge difference. At the moment we are still getting back on track from a very quiet summer, so all donations are being welcomed with a big smile! You can also donate clothing to our Trash Cocktail Boutique - we are looking especially for sparkly evening wear at the moment for the festive season.

Invite people to our events on Facebook! Even if you can't make it, hit the 'invite' button a few times and spread the word.

Tell people about us - in realbook, on Facebook, Twitter and elsewhere. Your recommendation is better than any advertising we can do. Become an ambassador for what you love by telling all your friends about us!

'Above-the-Bar' Comedy Night (A Fundraising First One!)

Saturday, 21 September 2013 from 19:30 to 22:30 (BST)

Southampton, United Kingdom

'Above the Bar Comedy' is a not-for-profit stand-up comedy night run by volunteers who want one thing; to share their love of comedy. The night is stationed at The Art House, a venue which has a passion for live entertainment. This evening is a fundraising event to help cover the summer-shortfall. Early Bird entry is by suggested donation of £5, so everyone who wants to enjoy fabulous comedy.

Hailing from Norway, Ingrid moved to the UK in 2002. She performed her first comedy gig on 6th July 2011 and 30 gigs later won a coveted place in the final of the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny competition at the Gilded Balloon. Her set at the final was selected to appear on the Culture Show’s coverage of the Edinburgh Festival for BBC2. In October 2012 Ingrid also competed in the final of the inaugural Squawker Awards at the Brighton Comedy Festival. She delivered a blistering set during the fiercely contested competition and was deservedly announced the Winner. The winner's prize included a spot at the Best of the Fest show at the Brighton Dome. Despite her newcomer status, Ingrid's confident performance received rapturous applause from the 1400 strong crowd.

“Musical masterpieces” – The Argus“A revival in musical comedy” – The Latest“Beautifully penned lyrics, a name to look out for, excellent” – The Critic“Brilliant, hilarious & edgy songs.” – Francesca MartinezDavid Jordan is a big man with a guitar and a hugely theatrical style that injects energy into the room.

Joe began his comedy career in his home town of Brighton 2010 when he joined the Jill Edwards Comedy Workshops course. His dry wit and likeable personality soon established him as a favourite on the Brighton Comedy Scene. In 2012 Joe reached the semi-finals of the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny competition, performing his first gig in Edinburgh at the Gilded Balloon. Joe is joining Adam Race and Mike Cox to perform their stand-up show JAM Comedy at the Edinburgh Fringe this August.

Introduction to Watercolours with Kate Woodley-Smith

Sunday, 22 September 2013 from 12:30 to 17:00

Southampton, United Kingdom

Event Details

Do you want to try watercolour painting, but don't know where to start?

Know a little, but want to learn some more and stretch your skills?

Join us for a four-hour introduction to watercolours at The Art House with local artist and regular Art House exhibitor Kate Woodley-Smith.

The session will be run in an informal atmosphere where 'having a go' is key. Kate's relaxed, enthusiastic style of teaching will make you feel at ease and encourage you to play, make mistakes, and experiment as you learn.

The session will start with the pure basics (so no worries if you don't know a thing about watercolours!), before moving on to painting washes using watercolours, tea, salt and lemon to give interesting effects.

We will be exploring various techniques using brushes ; we will experiment with bleeding technique and wet on wet, as well as talking about the use of colour.

This session aims to teach you some of the basics so that you can go home and put into practice what you have learnt.

There are just 8 spaces, so please book now to avoid missing out.

Materials are provided, but feel free to bring your own. Dress for mess!

This session is suitable for adults and older teens.

The session will be in our upstairs gallery/workshop space which is accessed via a wide staircase with bannisters on either side. Accessible toilets are on the ground floor.

There will be a break at around 2pm for about 30 minutes, please pre-order drinks or lunches when you arrive.

The cafe is open from 12 if you want to have something to eat or drink beforehand.

Clive CarrollAcoustic guitar phenomenon!(An Art House Fundraiser)

Friday, 6 September 2013 from 19:30 to 22:30 (BST)

Southampton, United Kingdom

The Art House presents an incredible evening of music with arguably the best acoustic guitarist in the country. We will be using this event to raise money for The Art House to help us pay our VAT bill this year!

When the music press describes someone as an ‘Incredible acoustic talent’ and ‘Peerless – no other word for it...’ and when people like Jean-Christophe Novelli and Madonna are booking them for their private parties, then you know that something pretty special is going on. Welcome to the world of UK acoustic guitar phenomenon Clive Carroll...

We are delighted to welcome Clive to The Art House for what promises to be an extraordinary night of music. He was recommended to us by Will McNicol who we are delighted to welcome back a our host for the evening!

Soon after graduation, Clive was given the opportunity to play at a gig with UK guitar maestro John Renbourn, who, on hearing him play, immediately suggested that Clive record an album. So one year later, Clive was working away in the studio, recording his first album ‘Sixth Sense’, which was greeted by press and audiences alike as something of a breath of fresh air in acoustic guitar circles.

'Songs of Disquiet' - Three Colours Red tour

Friday, 13 September 2013 from 19:30 to 23:30 (BST)

Southampton, United Kingdom

Art Imitating Life, Life Imitating Art

Three Colours Red are a musical/social arts project from Barcelona now based in Berlin. Their ‘Acoustic Theatre’ show incorporates consciously crafted acoustic songs fused with body-beats, tap and theatrical expression.

Formed in 2009 their rich three year history has seen them play in many places from Prisons, Bars, Festivals and Theatres, producing two albums in the process whilst appearing in several Spanish publications including Mondo Sonoro, Le Cool, El Pais and El Periódico.

On this UK tour they will be playing songs from their new self produced concept album 'Songs of Disquiet' whilst simultaneously promoting a sister project called 'Seed the Day' that brings awareness to the dangers of GMO's and promotes diversity. For more information on how to get involved come to the show!

"Something Special" – Le Cool

"Top Ten" – Mondo Sonoro

"Energetic Dynamic show" – Barcelona Metropolitan

"Recommended" – La Vanguardia

"As rare as a foot that will never ever dance

Or a gambler who will not take a chanceAs a tomorrow that will never see a todayOr an arrow that does not know its wayAs a leaf that will never catch the breezeOr a secret that will not keep

This Life was given to meOne life is living through me This life was given to mePack it up , pack it up reel it in"

Will Varley - 'As The Crow Flies' tour

Saturday, 14 September 2013 from 19:30 to 22:30

Varley’s live performances have become more and more anarchic over the years. Audience interaction, surreal improvised comedy between songs and chaotic stunts like playing two songs at the same time are now more often than not included in his shows, though he will just as quickly deliver a melancholic and heartbreaking ballad or a fiery protest song as he will a shaggy dog story or an amusing talking blues.Will Varley is a 26 year old folksinger/ poet/ storyteller and novelist from London. He has been a stalwart of the Acoustic/Folk scene since his early teens, playing literally hundreds of gigs in England and Ireland and supporting some huge names along the way. After growing tired of London in 2010 Varley moved to Deal, Kent and there along with a number of musicians helped to set up Smugglers Records.

"With an intriguing insight for someone in his early twenties, Varley’s youthful soundtrack deals with many of the modern concerns of our society; reflecting on recent issues of hung parliament and economic meltdowns. His music flits between Dylanesque societal criticism and folk-punk." - MELANIE MCGOVERN

Express Yourself! Playful Self Discovery with'Three Colours Red'

Sunday, 15 September 2013 from 12:30 to 17:30

Southampton, United Kingdom

EXPRESS YOURSELF - Playful Self discovery

Join Berlin musical/arts project 'Three Colours Red' on a five hour journey of Self Expression including Singing, Bodybeats, Improvisation and theatrical expression. Culminating in the fascinating 'Theatre of the Oppressed'. No experience needed!

What the participants say….

“The Workshops are ace! You are encouraged to express yourself in a non-judgemental environment”

“Improvisation brings people together and destroys shyness improving courage and self confidence”

“Loads of fun and laughing! A magical weekend!”

“Sincerely this was an incredible week of learning to live the moment and get back in touch with myself”

“In Theatre of the Oppressed we took a look at a family issue, and sweatshop slavery in a fun & enlightening way”

“…you do extraordinary an unusual things in a very supported way, lots of laughs, jokes and great leadership”